France's airport operator played down worries of fuel
shortages, but strikes at all of the country's 12 refineries and
fuel depot blockades prompted motorists to stock up on petrol.

Truck drivers also were set to join the fray as momentum
built for a day of street rallies on Saturday.

The widening protests have become the biggest challenge
facing President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is struggling with low
popularity ratings as he tries to appease financial markets by
stemming a ballooning pension shortfall.
Continued...